Metal-organic frameworks for the treatment of endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous agents that target hormone biosynthesis, cellular signaling, transport, metabolism, and receptor activity. Exposure to EDCs is linked to reproductive problems, abnormalities in infant development, neurological impairment, thyroid disorders in women, and hormone-regulated cancers. EDCs are also known to contaminate aquatic and wildlife ecosystems via bioaccumulation, environmental persistence, and disruption of biological processes. To overcome the drawbacks of conventional techniques, researchers developed metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for water remediation. MOFs are superior materials because they have high surface area, tunable pore structure, chemical versatility, and catalytic capabilities through functionalization. MOFs have demonstrated strong potential for the sensitive detection and degradation of diverse endocrine-active pollutants, including bisphenols and related micropollutants. In this review, sources, classifications of EDCs, routes of exposure, molecular mechanisms, health effects, and socioeconomic effects of EDCs were discussed with illustrative figures. Therefore, integrating MOFs with water treatment strategies using advanced materials engineering will efficiently reduce EDC contamination.